Podcast
Seeking Approval Podcast
Hosted by Dr. R.C. Smelcer - Gilead Baptist Church · EN
Seeking Approval is a Bible-based podcast that deals honestly with one of the quiet struggles many believers face: the desire to be accepted, affirmed, and approved by people rather than resting in the approval of God. In a world driven by opinions, applause, comparison, and constant noise, this podcast turns the listener back to Scripture for clarity, conviction, and peace.
Each episode opens the Word of God and addresses real-life pressures through sound biblical teaching, thoughtful reflection, and practical application. The focus is not on self-esteem, popularity, or performance, but on learning what it truly means to stand approved unto God. Topics include people-pleasing, identity in Christ, spiritual confidence, handling criticism, and living faithfully without chasing affirmation.
This podcast is designed for believers who want to grow deeper in their walk with the Lord, strengthen their spiritual foundation, and learn how to live with conviction in a culture that constantly demands compromise. The goal is simple: less striving for approval from man, and a greater confidence in the approval that comes from God alone.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
SA Ep97 - Nearer to Thee - Wash Thyself
3w ago00:17:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep97 - Nearer to Thee - Wash ThyselfIn this episode, we begin the series Drawing Nearer to Thee by looking at the first step in drawing closer to Christ: being freshly cleansed. From Ruth 3:3, Naomi told Ruth, “Wash thyself therefore,” before she went to the feet of Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. That simple instruction gives us a powerful picture of the believer’s need for cleansing before enjoying close fellowship with the Lord. We will look at the danger of holding on to sin, the cleansing power of the Word of God, the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the honest confession needed for a believer to walk near the Lord again.
Transcribe →SA Ep96 - Drawing Nearer to Thee - Introduction
4w ago00:13:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep96 - Drawing Nearer to Thee - IntroductionDrawing Nearer to Thee is a 5-episode podcast series built from Ruth 3 and the beautiful picture of Ruth coming to Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Through this Old Testament scene, we see a spiritual pattern for believers who desire a closer walk with Christ. The series will call Christians to be freshly cleansed, fragrantly consecrated, fitly clothed, fully committed, and faithfully compliant. The heart of the series is simple: Christ has redeemed us, but He also invites us to walk near Him. Drifting brings coldness, confusion, weakness, and spiritual danger. Drawing near brings cleansing, peace, strength, joy, obedience, and deeper fellowship with the Lord. The series ends with the blessed truth that our Redeemer receives, reassures, replenishes, and rests only when the work is finished. In Christ, the work of redemption is already done. Now the redeemed are invited to live near the Redeemer.
Transcribe →SA Ep95 - Articles of Faith #18 The Eternal State
4w ago00:11:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep95 - Articles of Faith #18 The Eternal StateIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of the eternal state. The Bible teaches that after death and final judgment, the saved will dwell forever with the Lord in heaven, while the lost will face everlasting punishment separated from God. We will look at the reality of eternity, the hope of heaven, the seriousness of hell, and the certainty of final judgment. This episode is both a comfort to the believer and a warning to the unbeliever. Eternity is not theory. It is reality.
Transcribe →SA Ep94 Articles of Faith #17 The Return of Christ
4w ago00:15:22Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep94 Articles of Faith #17 The Return of ChristIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of the return of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ will return again just as He promised. We will look at the certainty of His coming, the comfort it brings to believers, the warning it gives to the lost, and the way it should shape our daily lives. This episode also highlights the hope, urgency, and holiness connected to the second coming of Christ. The return of Christ is not speculation for the curious. It is a promise for the church.
Transcribe →SA Ep92 - Articles of Faith #15 Evangelism and Missions
4w ago00:13:43Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep92 - Articles of Faith #15 Evangelism and MissionsIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of evangelism and missions. The Bible teaches that every believer and every church has a responsibility to take the Gospel to the lost. We will look at the Great Commission, the message we are called to preach, and the role of the local church in reaching both the nearby and the far away. This episode also addresses the urgency of the Gospel and the importance of prayer, giving, and going. The Gospel that came to us was meant to go through us.
Transcribe →SA Ep93 - May the Fourth
May 400:18:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep93 - May the FourthPeople say this time of year, “May the fourth be with you.” It is said in fun, but there is a truth far greater than the phrase itself. There truly is a Fourth who is with His people. Not in imagination, not in story, but in reality. When the fire is at its hottest, when the pressure is at its greatest, and when the situation feels beyond control, the child of God is never alone. The question is not whether the fire will come. The question is who will be with you in it.
Transcribe →SA Ep91 - Articles of Faith #14 Two Ordinances
May 100:16:25Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep91 - Articles of Faith #14 Two OrdinancesIn this episode, we examine the ordinances of the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Bible teaches that these are acts of obedience given by Christ to His church, serving as public testimony and ongoing remembrance of the Gospel. We will look at what each ordinance represents, what they do and do not accomplish, and why they must remain centered on Christ. These ordinances are not empty rituals. They are powerful pictures of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Transcribe →SA Ep90 - Articles of Faith #13 The Church
Apr 3000:17:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep90 - Articles of Faith #13 The ChurchIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of the church. The Bible teaches that the church is a local assembly of baptized believers, gathered for worship, fellowship, discipleship, and service, under the headship of Christ. We will look at what the church is, why it exists, and why it matters to every believer. This episode also addresses the importance of faithfulness, unity, and biblical function within the church. The church is not a side issue in the Christian life. It is central to God’s work in the world.
Transcribe →SA Ep89 - Articles of Faith #13 Sanctification
Apr 2900:20:31Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep89 - Articles of Faith #13 Sanctification
Transcribe →SA Ep88 - Articles of Faith #11 Justification
Apr 2800:17:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSA Ep88 - Articles of Faith #11 JustificationIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of justification. The Bible teaches that justification is the act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner righteous through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We will look at what justification means, how it differs from sanctification, and why it is central to the Gospel. This episode also explains the great exchange, our sin placed on Christ, and His righteousness credited to us. Justification answers the question: how can a sinner stand right before God?
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